Homoeopathy — Page 557
Phytolacca 557 PHYTOLACCA (Poke Root) Phytolacca is prepared from the roots of a plant, the fruit of which is toxic when ingested in large quantity. The early symptoms of the toxicity are vomiting, diarrhoea and headache. Phytolacca is a very important remedy. It resembles Mercury with respect to many of its symptoms. That is why it is also called Botanical Mercury. The diseases of Mercury become worse in the cold and humidity. At night also, the discomfort increases. In Phytolacca also, backache increases with cold and humidity. When the patient warms up in the bed at night, the pain intensifies further. All its ailments aggravate during the night. Both Mercury and Phytolacca are strongly connected to the diseases of the glands. Phytolacca acts as an antidote to the toxic effects of Mercury. The feeling of pain and scraping of the skin over the sensitive area of the human body, where the skin is closely attached to the bone without the cushion of muscle or fat, is found both in Phytolacca and Mercury. Both Mercury and Phytolacca are widely effective against bone pain. Eupatorium too is effective against influenza and the fever associated with severe bone aches. However, Mercury is the most important remedy for the treatment of bone problems. Mercury is very effective in the diseases in which the bones start to decay, with the formation of sinuses. Phytolacca is very effective against the lesions of the inner linings (mucous membranes), skin and throat as well as glands that become hardened and have a tendency to produce pus. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to use Hepar Sulph or Silicea as its helpers. In Phytolacca, like Hepar Sulph, the phlegm is thick and sticky. Phytolacca is the foremost remedy for the treatment of syphilis. It is also effective in chronic syphilis and diphtheria. Chronic joint pains, including rheumatoid arthritis , stiffness of the left shoulder